Abstract
With increased use of social media and technology in the modern day, it provides people more of a chance than ever to connect with others. However, this is not always a positive thing. Social media and technology can be used as a tool facilitate negative behaviors such as stalking. This can be especially concerning because stalking can often go unnoticed when it includes online monitoring. Previous research indicates issues with defining stalking and how to properly support victims of stalking. Adding social media and technology only complicates this. The current study examines gender differences in experiences being stalked, the role of social media use in social skills and stalking, how many people have experienced stalking, and what people think will be useful in stopping stalking. The study included 85 (61 women, 20 men, 4 other) individuals who are college students that attend The College of Wooster. Participants took a 23-question survey that evaluated the study’s primary variables. Results indicated no significance between genders and no significant correlation between social media use and personal pursuit behavior. 48.15% of participants reported having experienced persistent and unwanted following/harassment/pursuit, yet only 26.03% of participants say that they have been stalked. Participants indicated need for attention, desire for control, and loneliness as the most likely reasons for being causes of stalking behaviors. Participants thought that reporting to the police and changing phone numbers were the most useful actions to take in stopping a stalker. With continued research, awareness being raised, and devoted persistence, more effective coping strategies for stalking could be found as well and stalking levels could decrease in future generations.
Advisor
Clayton, Susan
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Yong, Taylor, "College Students’ Perceptions and Understandings of Stalking" (2019). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 8387.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/8387
Disciplines
Psychology | Social Psychology
Keywords
stalking
Publication Date
2019
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2019 Taylor Yong